Charles E. Hoffman

Charles Edwin Hoffman was born in McKinney on 27 March, 1948. He graduated from McKinney High School in the Class of 1966. In the Fall of that year, he enlisted in the Army and was trained as a Field Combat Medic. SP4 Hoffman arrived in Vietnam on Wednesday, September 6, 1967, assigned to H&H Company, 1^st Battalion, 14^th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, known as the ‘Golden Dragons,’ and operated in the central part of South Vietnam. On February 9, 1968, the 7th day of a running battle with elements of the North Vietnam Army, SP4 Charles E. Hoffman was killed during a mortar barrage while attempting to render aide to the other fallen members of his unit. Hoffman, 19, was the third member of the McKinney High class of ’66 to die a hero’s death. He is buried in Oakwood Cemetery in Huntsville, Texas, and his name is listed on the WALL at Panel 38E, Row 51.

Medals Awarded:
SILVER STAR
PURPLE HEART
VIETNAM SERVICE MEDAL
VIETNAM CAMPAIGN RIBBON
GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL
NATIONAL DEFENSE RIBBON
MILITARY MERIT MEDAL
GALLANTRY CROSS with PALM
COMBAT MEDIC BADGE
SHARPSHOOTER BADGE with RIFLE BAR

HQ 4^th Infantry Division
San Francisco 96262
21 March, 1968
Award of the Silver Star

Silver Star

For gallantry in action in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist 4^th Class Hoffman distinguished himself while serving as a Medical aidman with Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 1^st Battalion, 14^th Infantry and attached to Company D, 1^st Bn, 14^th Inf, 4^th Infantry division. On 9 February 1968, Sp Hoffman’s platoon perimeter came under a heavy barrage of hostile mortar rounds. In the initial volley, several infantrymen were wounded. With complete disregard for the flying shrapnel, Sp Hoffman left the protection of his foxhole and went to the aid of the casualties. Repeatedly the rounds exploded close to his position, but undaunted, he remained at the side of the soldiers treating their wounds. After he applied immediate aid, he removed the casualties to a protected position, ignoring the danger of the situation. As he completed his mission of mercy, Sp Hoffman was mortally wounded when a hostile mortar round exploded near him, His courage, exemplary performance and self-sacrifice devotion to the wounded are in keeping with the highest tradition of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the US Army.

Authority: By direction of the President under the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 9 July, 1918.

For the commander:
Official Charles R. Swiffen
Bill Hyland Colonel, GS
Cpt. AGC Chief of Staff
Asst. AG

If you would like to leave a memorial message in the memory of Charles Hoffman, Go Here.


9th Grade	10th Grade	11th Grade	12 th Grade

10th Grade		Charles is the big guy who is predominately featured. This pic was in the McKinney paper in 1966.	PVT Charles Hoffman

Silver Star citation	Wall of honor at his brother Danny's house in Huntsville.	The flag from his funeral	Memories of an American Hero.